7.1.1 Structure of Bone

An individual bone is composed of a variety of tissues, including bone tissue, cartilage, fibrous connective tissue, blood and nerve tissue. The structure of a bone includes the epiphysis, diaphysis, periosteum, endosteum, compact bone, spongy bone, and bone marrow.

Definition

Bone: An individual bone is composed of a variety of tissues, including bone tissue, cartilage, fibrous connective tissue, blood and nerve tissue.

Main Idea

• An individual bone is composed of a variety of tissues.
• These include:
• Bone tissue
• Cartilage
• Fibrous connective tissue
• Blood and nerve tissue
• The structure of a bone includes:
• Epiphysis — terminal broad parts
• Diaphysis (shaft) — middle part along the length of bone
• Periosteum — outer connective tissue around the bone
• Endosteum — inner region
• Compact bone — peripheral part of endosteum
• Spongy bone — inner bone mass
• Red bone marrow — found in spaces of spongy bone
• Yellow bone marrow — in the central cavity of the shaft

Core Concept

• Bone = composed of various tissues
• Epiphysis = terminal broad parts
• Diaphysis = shaft; middle part
• Periosteum = outer connective tissue
• Endosteum = inner region
• Compact bone = peripheral part
• Spongy bone = inner bone mass
• Red bone marrow = in spongy bone spaces
• Yellow bone marrow = in central cavity

Detailed Explanation

Structure of Bone

• An individual bone is composed of a variety of tissues, including bone tissue, cartilage, fibrous connective tissue, blood and nerve tissue.
• The terminal broad parts are called epiphysis.
• The middle part along the length of bone is called diaphysis or shaft.
• The shaft also contains a central cavity filled by yellow bone marrow.
• The outer connective tissue around the bone is called periosteum.
• The inner region is called endosteum.
• The endosteum further consists of a peripheral part, called compact bone.
• The inner bone mass is called spongy bone.
• Most of the spongy bone is present in epiphysis.
• The red bone marrow is also found in the spaces of spongy bone.

Summary Table of Bone Structure

Intermediate Level

Structure of Bone

Tissues in Bone

Formula / Mathematical Form

Not applicable to this topic.

Solved Example

Not applicable to this topic (descriptive topic).

Important Points

• 1. Bone is composed of various tissues.
• 2. These include bone tissue, cartilage, fibrous connective tissue, blood and nerve tissue.
• 3. Epiphysis is the terminal broad part.
• 4. Diaphysis is the middle part (shaft).
• 5. Diaphysis contains a central cavity.
• 6. Central cavity is filled with yellow bone marrow.
• 7. Periosteum is the outer connective tissue.
• 8. Endosteum is the inner region.
• 9. Endosteum consists of compact bone and spongy bone.
• 10. Compact bone is the peripheral part.
• 11. Spongy bone is the inner bone mass.
• 12. Most spongy bone is present in epiphysis.
• 13. Red bone marrow is found in spaces of spongy bone.
• 14. Yellow bone marrow is in the central cavity.
• 15. Bones are living organs.

Remember

• - Bone = composed of various tissues
• - Epiphysis = terminal broad parts
• - Diaphysis = shaft; middle part
• - Periosteum = outer connective tissue
• - Endosteum = inner region
• - Compact bone = peripheral part
• - Spongy bone = inner bone mass
• - Red bone marrow = in spongy bone spaces
• - Yellow bone marrow = in central cavity

Common Mistakes

• 1. Confusing epiphysis and diaphysis — Epiphysis = ends; diaphysis = shaft.
• 2. Mixing up periosteum and endosteum — Periosteum = outer; endosteum = inner.
• 3. Confusing compact and spongy bone — Compact = peripheral; spongy = inner.
• 4. Mixing up red and yellow bone marrow — Red = blood cell production; yellow = fat storage.
• 5. Thinking bones are dead — Bones are living tissue.
• 6. Forgetting the role of periosteum — Protects and nourishes bone.
• 7. Mixing up the locations — Spongy bone mostly in epiphysis; yellow marrow in central cavity.
• 8. Believing bones are only made of bone tissue — Bones contain cartilage, connective tissue, blood, and nerve tissue.
• 9. Forgetting the role of red bone marrow — Blood cell production.
• 10. Mixing up the types of bone — Long, short, flat, irregular.

Quick Revision

An individual bone is composed of a variety of tissues, including bone tissue, cartilage, fibrous connective tissue, blood and nerve tissue. The terminal broad parts are called epiphysis and the middle part along the length of bone is called diaphysis or shaft which also contains a central cavity filled by yellow bone marrow. The outer connective tissue around the bone is called periosteum and the inner region is called endosteum. The endosteum further consists of a peripheral part, called compact bone and the inner bone mass, called spongy bone. Most of the spongy bone is present in epiphysis. The red bone marrow is also found in the spaces of spongy bone.

60-Second Revision

• Bone = composed of various tissues
• Epiphysis = terminal broad parts
• Diaphysis = shaft; middle part
• Periosteum = outer connective tissue
• Endosteum = inner region
• Compact bone = peripheral part
• Spongy bone = inner bone mass
• Red bone marrow = in spongy bone spaces
• Yellow bone marrow = in central cavity
• Warning: Epiphysis = ends; diaphysis = shaft

NEXT TOPIC

• Chapter:
• 7. Support and Movement

• Topic:
• 7.1.2 CELLS ASSOCIATED WITH BONE

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